Heat dome causing oppressive weather

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - Hazy, hot and humid weather is in the forecast through the weekend in the tristate area.  The heat wave (three consecutive days of 90+ temperatures) is being made all the worse by a weather phenomenon known as a heat dome. 

A massive dome of high pressure in the upper atmosphere that first gripped the nation further west, has moved east.   Forecasters say temperatures in the mid to upper 90s will combine with humidity to make it feel like it's 105 degrees.

"We're not talking record-breaking heat by any stretch," said Andrew Krein, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Chicago-area office. "The only thing is it is the warmest it's been this summer, so in that respect people may not be prepared for it."

An excessive heat watch is in effect for New Jersey from Saturday morning through Monday afternoon.

Health officials say the very young and the very old should avoid spending too much time outdoors.  Officials advise drinking plenty of water and stay in a cool location.  Visit a cooling center if you do not have access to an air conditioned environment.

Get weather information on the go on your smartphone or tablet with the free "Fox 5 Weather" app.

With the Associated Press